Use of flibanserin in the treatment of obesity

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for the treatment of obesity and related diseases comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of Flibanserin.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 371 and constitutes thenational stage of International Application PCT/EP2006/064825 filed Jul.31, 2006.

The invention relates to a method for the treatment of obesity andrelated diseases, comprising the administration of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of Flibanserin. The invention relates further to newpharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of obesity and relateddiseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The intake of food and its conversion in the body is an essential partof life for all living creatures. Therefore, deviations in the intakeand conversion of food generally lead to problems and also illness. Thechanges in the lifestyle and nutrition of humans, particularly inindustrialised countries, have promoted morbid overweight (also known ascorpulence or obesity) in recent decades.

The prevalence of obesity has risen significantly in the past decade inthe United States and many other developed countries, (Fiegal et al,Int. J. Obesity 22:39-47 (1998), Mokdad et al, JAMA 282:1519-1522(1999)). Because obesity is associated with a significantly elevatedrisk for diabetes, especially for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia,arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and numerousother major illnesses, and overall mortality from all causes (Must etal, JAMA 282:1523-1529 (1999), Calle et al, N. Engl. J. Med.341:1097-1105 (1999)), weight reduction is critical for the obesepatient (Blackburn, Am. J. Clin. Nujtr. 69:347-349 (1999), Galuska etal, JAMA 282:1576 (1999)). Moreover, high body weight alone puts anincreased strain on the support and mobility apparatus, which can leadto chronic pain and diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. Thus,obesity is a serious health problem for society.

There is good evidence that pharmacotherapy can enhance weight loss whencombined with interventions aimed at changing life style (NationalHeart, Lung and Blood Institute, Clinical guidelines on theidentification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity inadults: the evidence report, NIH Publication No. 98-4083, September1998). Yet, the available pharmacological therapies to facilitate weightloss fail to provide adequate benefit to many obese patients because ofside effects, contraindications or lack of positive response (NationalHeart, Lung and Blood Institute, Clinical guidelines on theidentification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity inadults: the evidence report, NIH Publication No. 98-4083, September1998). Hence, there is impetus for developing new and alternativetreatments for management of obesity.

Apart from physical activity and a change in nutrition, there iscurrently no convincing treatment option for effectively reducing bodyweight. However, as obesity is a major risk factor in the development ofserious and even life-threatening diseases, it is all the more importantto have access to pharmaceutical active substances for the preventionand/or treatment of obesity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compound1-[2-(4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-2-one(Flibanserin) is disclosed in form of its hydrochloride in EuropeanPatent Application EP-A-526434 and has the following chemical structure:

Flibanserin shows affinity for the 5-HT_(1A) receptor and the5-HT₂-receptor family. It is therefore a promising therapeutic agent forthe treatment of a variety of diseases, for instance depression,schizophrenia and anxiety.

Surprisingly it has been found that Flibanserin, optionally in form ofthe free base, the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition saltsand/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/or solvates thereof provedto be a weight-loss agent and therefore is useful to treat obesity andrelated diseases.

As used herein, the term “obesity” means an excess of adipose tissue inthe body. In this connection, obesity is fundamentally to be seen as theincreased level of fatness which leads to a health risk. There is nosharp distinction between normal individuals, overweight individuals andthose suffering from obesity, but the health risk accompanying obesityis presumed to rise continuously as the level of fatness increases. Forsimplicity's sake, in the present invention, individuals with a BodyMass Index (BMI), which is defined as the body weight measured inkilograms divided by the height (in meters) squared, above a value of 25and more particularly above 30, are preferably regarded as sufferingfrom obesity.

One object of the present invention is directed to the use ofFlibanserin, optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologicallyacceptable acid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydratesand/or solvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for thetreatment and/or prevention of obesity.

The indication obesity includes in particular exogenic obesity,hyperinsulinaemic obesity, hyperplasmic obesity, hyperphyseal adiposity,hypoplasmic obesity, hypothyroid obesity, hypothalamic obesity,symptomatic obesity, infantile obesity, upper body obesity, alimentaryobesity, hypogonadal obesity and central obesity.

Therefore, the present invention is directed also to the use ofFlibanserin, optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologicallyacceptable acid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydratesand/or solvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for thetreatment and/or prevention of exogenic obesity, hyperinsulinaemicobesity, hyperplasmic obesity, hyperphyseal adiposity, hypoplasmicobesity, hypothyroid obesity, hypothalamic obesity, symptomatic obesity,infantile obesity, upper body obesity, alimentary obesity, hypogonadalobesity and central obesity.

In another embodiment, this invention relates to the use of Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for promoting,increasing or facilitating weight loss.

Furthermore, this invention relates to the use of Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for prevention ofbody weight gain.

In another embodiment, this invention relates to the use of Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting orreducing appetite.

In another embodiment, this invention relates to the use of Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatmentand/or prevention of diseases and/or disorders associated with obesity,such as the metabolic syndrome (syndromeX), hypertension,osteoarthritis, diabetes, especially type II diabetes, complications ofdiabetes including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabeticnephropathy, insulin resistance, pathological glucose tolerance,encephalorrhagia, heart diseases, cardiac insufficiency,arteriosclerosis, arthritis, gonitis, stroke and dyslipidaemia,preferably metabolic syndrome, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, comprisingthe administration of a therapeutically effective amount of Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method oftreating and/or preventing the above mentioned diseases and/or disorderscomprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount ofFlibanserin, optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologicallyacceptable acid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydratesand/or solvates thereof.

For the treatment of the aforementioned diseases, Flibanserin,optionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof may also be co-administered with a second activesubstance selected from the group consisting of

-   -   active substances for the treatment of diabetes,    -   active substances for the treatment of diabetic complications,    -   active substances for the treatment of obesity,    -   active substances for the treatment of high blood pressure,    -   active substances for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia,        including arteriosclerosis,    -   active substances for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, including        arteriosclerosis,    -   active substances for the treatment of arthritis.

Examples of active substances for the treatment of diabetes are insulinsensitisers, insulin secretion accelerators, biguanides, insulins,α-glucosidase inhibitors, β3 adrenoreceptor agonists.

Insulin sensitisers include glitazones, particularly pioglitazone andits salts (preferably hydrochloride), troglitazone, rosiglitazone andits salts (preferably maleate), JTT-501, GI-262570, MCC-555, YM-440,DRF-2593, BM-13-1258, KRP-297, R-119702 and GW-1929.

Insulin secretion accelerators include sulphonylureas, such as forexample tolbutamide, chloropropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide,glyclopyramide and its ammonium salts, glibenclamide, gliclazide,glimepiride. Further examples of insulin secretion accelerators arerepaglinide, nateglinide, mitiglinide (KAD-1229) and JTT-608.

Biguanides include metformin, buformin and phenformin.

Insulins include those obtained from animals, particularly cattle orpigs, semisynthetic human insulins which are synthesised enzymaticallyfrom insulin obtained from animals, human insulin obtained by geneticengineering, e.g. from Escherichi coli or yeasts. Moreover, the terminsulin also includes insulin-zinc (containing 0.45 to 0.9 percent byweight of zinc) and protamine-insulin-zinc obtainable from zincchloride, protamine sulphate and insulin. Insulin may also be obtainedfrom insulin fragments or derivatives (for example INS-1, etc.).

Insulin may also include different kinds, e.g. with regard to the onsettime and duration of effect (“ultra immediate action type”, “immediateaction type”, “two phase type”, “intermediate type”, “prolonged actiontype”, etc.), which are selected depending on the pathological conditionof the patient.

α-Glucosidase inhibitors include acarbose, voglibose, miglitol,emiglitate.

β₃ Adreno receptor agonists include AJ-9677, BMS-196085, SB-226552,AZ40140.

Active substances for the treatment of diabetes other than thosementioned above include ergoset, pramlintide, leptin, BAY-27-9955 aswell as glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors, sorbitol dehydrogenaseinhibitors, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors, dipeptidylprotease inhibitors, glipazide, glyburide.

Active substances for the treatment of diabetic complications includefor example aldose reductase inhibitors, glycation inhibitors andprotein kinase C inhibitors, DPPIV blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-2 analoguesand SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Aldose reductase inhibitors are for example tolrestat, epalrestat,imirestat, zenarestat, SNK-860, zopolrestat, ARI-50i, AS-3201.

An example of a glycation inhibitor is pimagedine.

Protein Kinase C inhibitors are for example NGF, LY-333531.

DPPIV blockers are for example LAF237 (Novartis), MK431 (Merck) as wellas 815541, 823093 and 825964 (all GlaxoSmithkline).

GLP-1 analogues are for example Liraglutide (NN2211) (NovoNordisk),CJC1131 (Conjuchem), Exenatide (Amylin).

SGLT-2 inhibitors are for example AVE-2268 (Aventis) and T-1095 (Tanabe,Johnson&Johnson).

Active substances other than those mentioned above for the treatment ofdiabetic complications include alprostadil, thiapride hydrochloride,cilostazol, mexiletine hydrochloride, ethyl eicosapentate, memantine,pimagedine (ALT-711).

Active substances for the treatment of obesity, other than Flibanserin,include lipase inhibitors and anorectics.

A preferred example of a lipase inhibitor is orlistat.

Examples of preferred anorectics are phenetermine, mazindol, fluoxetine,sibutramine, baiamine, (S)-sibutramine, SR-141716, NGD-95-1.

Active substances other than those mentioned above for the treatment ofobesity include lipstatin, Rimonabant and topiramate

Moreover for the purposes of this application the active substance groupof anti-obesity active substances also includes the anorectics, of whichthe β₃ agonists, thyromimetic active substances and NPY antagonistsshould be emphasised. The range of substances which may be considered aspreferred anti-obesity or anorectic active substances is indicated bythe following additional list, by way of example: phenylpropanolamine,ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenetermine, a cholecystokinin-A(hereinafter referred to as CCK-A) agonist, a monoamine reuptakeinhibitor (such as for example sibutramine), a sympathomimetic activesubstance, a serotonergic active substance (such as for exampledexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, a 5-HT2C agonist such as BVT.933 orAPD356), a dopamine antagonist (such as for example bromocriptine orpramipexol), a melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor agonist ormimetic, an analogue of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a cannabinoidreceptor antagonist (Rimonabant, ACOMPLIA™), an MCH antagonist, the OBprotein (hereinafter referred to as leptin), a leptin analogue, a fattyacid synthase (FAS) antagonist, a leptin receptor agonist, a galanineantagonist, a GI lipase inhibitor or reducer (such as for exampleorlistat). Other anorectics include bombesin agonists,dehydroepiandrosterone or its analogues, glucocorticoid receptoragonists and antagonists, orexin receptor antagonists, urocortin bindingprotein antagonists, agonists of the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor,such as for example exendin, AC 2993, CJC-1131, ZP10 or GRT0203Y, DPPIVinhibitors and ciliary neurotrophic factors, such as for exampleaxokines. In this context mention should also be made of the forms oftherapy which produce weight loss by increasing the fatty acid oxidationin the peripheral tissue, such as for example inhibitors of acetyl-CoAcarboxylase.

Active substances for the treatment of high blood pressure includeinhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, calcium antagonists,potassium channel openers and angiotensin II antagonists.

Inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme include captopril,enalapril, alacepril, delapril (hydrochloride), lisinopril, imidapril,benazepril, cilazapril, temocapril, trandolapril, manidipine(hydrochloride).

Examples of calcium antagonists are nifedipine, amlodipine, efonidipine,nicardipine.

Potassium channel openers include levcromakalim, L-27152, AL0671,NIP-121.

Angiotensin II antagonists include telmisartan, losartan, candesartancilexetil, valsartan, irbesartan, CS-866, E4177.

Active substances for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, includingarteriosclerosis, include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fibratecompounds.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors include pravastatin, simvastatin,lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lipantil, cerivastatin,itavastatin, ZD-4522 and their salts.

Fibrate compounds include bezafibrate, clinofibrate, clofibrate andsimfibrate.

Active substances for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, includingarteriosclerosis, include e.g. medicaments which raise the HDL level,such as e.g. nicotinic acid and derivatives and preparations thereof,such as e.g. niaspan, as well as agonists of the nicotinic acidreceptor.

Active substances for the treatment of arthritis include NSAIDs(non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs), particularly COX2 inhibitors,such as for example meloxicam or ibuprofen.

Accordingly, the invention also relates to combining separatepharmaceutical compositions in kit form which may be co-administeredseparately. Therefore, in a further embodiment the present inventionprovides a kit comprising a) a first pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an active substance being not flibanserin, selected from thegroup consisting of active substances for the treatment of diabetes,active substances for the treatment of diabetic complications, activesubstances for the treatment of obesity, active substances for thetreatment of high blood pressure, active substances for the treatment ofhyperlipidaemia, including arteriosclerosis active substances for thetreatment of dyslipidaemia, including arteriosclerosis, activesubstances for the treatment of arthritis, b) a second pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising Flibanserin, optionally in form of the free base,the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts and/or optionallyin form of the hydrates and/or solvates thereof for the treatment of theabove mentioned diseases; and a container for both compositions.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides a kitcomprising a) a first pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more,preferably one active substance for the treatment of obesity,preferrably orlistat, phenetermine, sibutramine or topiramate; b) asecond pharmaceutical composition comprising Flibanserin, optionally inform of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptable acid additionsalts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/or solvates thereoffor the treatment of the above mentioned diseases; and a container forboth compositions

The term “co-administration”, within the present invention means thatboth active ingredients mentioned above can be taken from the kit andcombined for administration together as a composition or as part of thesame, unitary dosage form, such as an parenterally or orallyadministered solution. “Co-administration” also includes administeringthe components separately (e.g. as tablets or capsules), but as part ofthe same therapeutic treatment program or regimen. Both components neednot be administered at essentially the same time, although they can beif so desired. Thus “co-administration” includes, for exampleadministering all active ingredients as separate dosages or dosage formsand at essentially the same time. The term also includes separateadministration at different times, in any order, and if preferred bydifferent routes of administration. An example of a kit is the so-calledblister pack well known in the packaging industry particularly forpackaging pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Instead of a kit, Flibanserin and the second active substance accordingto the invention can be combined in one dosage form. Therefore, thepresent invention also relates to compositions comprising Flibanserinoptionally in form of the free base, the pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof and a second active substance active being notflibanserin, selected from the group consisting of active substances forthe treatment of diabetes, active substances for the treatment ofdiabetic complications, active substances for the treatment of obesity,active substances for the treatment of high blood pressure, activesubstances for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, includingarteriosclerosis active substances for the treatment of dyslipidaemia,including arteriosclerosis, active substances for the treatment ofarthritis in one dosage form.

Preferably, the present invention also relates to compositionscomprising a) one or more, preferably one active substance for thetreatment of obesity preferrably orlistat, phenetermine, sibutramine ortopiramate and b) Flibanserin, optionally in form of the free base, thepharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts and/or optionally inform of the hydrates and/or solvates thereof.

Above mentioned kits and compositions can be used for the treatmentand/or prevention of obesity like exogenic obesity, hyperinsulinaemicobesity, hyperplasmic obesity, hyperphyseal adiposity, hypoplasmicobesity, hypothyroid obesity, hypothalamic obesity, symptomatic obesity,infantile obesity, upper body obesity, alimentary obesity, hypogonadalobesity and central obesity as well as for promoting, increasing orfacilitating of weight loss, for the prevention of body weight gain, andfor inhibiting or reducing appetite.

Furthermore the above mentioned kits and compositions can be used forthe treatment and/or prevention of diseases and/or disorders associatedwith obesity, such as the metabolic syndrome (syndromeX), hypertension,osteoarthritis, diabetes, especially type II diabetes, complications ofdiabetes including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabeticnephropathy, insulin resistance, pathological glucose tolerance,encephalorrhagia, heart diseases, cardiac insufficiency,arteriosclerosis, arthritis, gonitis, stroke and dyslipidaemia,preferably metabolic syndrome, diabetes and dyslipidaemia.

As already mentioned above, Flibanserin may be used in form of the freebase, optionally in form of its pharmaceutically acceptable acidaddition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/or solvatesthereof. Suitable acid addition salts include for example those of theacids selected from, succinic acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid,fumaric acid, maleic acid, methanesulphonic acid, lactic acid,phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, tartaric acid andcitric acid. Mixtures of the abovementioned acid addition salts may alsobe used. From the aforementioned acid addition salts the hydrochlorideand the hydrobromide, particularly the hydrochloride, are preferred. IfFlibanserin is used in form of the free base, it is preferably used inform of Flibanserin polymorph A as disclosed in WO 03/014079.

The active substances which are suitable to be combined with Flibanserinwithin the teaching of the instant invention and which are mentionedhereinbefore may also be capable of forming acid addition salts withpharmaceutically acceptable acids. Representative salts include thefollowing: Acetate, Benzenesulfonate, Benzoate, Bicarbonate, Bisulfate,Bitartrate, Borate, Bromide, Camsylate, Carbonate, Chloride,Clavulanate, Citrate, Dihydrochloride, Edetate, Edisylate, Estolate,Esylate, Fumarate, Gluceptate, Gluconate, Glutamate,Glycollylarsanilate, Hexylresorcinate, Hydrabamine, Hydrobromide,Hydrochloride, Hydroxynaphthoate, Iodide, Isothionate, Lactate,Lactobionate, Laurate, Malate, Maleate, Mandelate, Mesylate,Methylbromide, Methylnitrate, Methylsulfate, Mucate, Napsylate, Nitrate,N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, Oleate, Oxalate, Pamoate (Embonate),Palmitate, Pantothenate, Phosphate/diphosphate, Polygalacturonate,Salicylate, Stearate, Sulfate, Subacetate, Succinate, Tannate, Tartrate,Teoclate, Tosylate, Triethiodide and Valerate.

Furthermore, where the other anti-obesity compounds carry an acidicmoiety, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may includealkali metal salts, e.g., sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earthmetal salts, e.g., calcium or magnesium salts; and salts formed withsuitable organic ligands, e.g., quaternary ammonium salts.

The active substances which are suitable to be combined with Flibanserinmay have chiral centers and occur as racemates, racemic mixtures and asindividual diastereomers, or enantiomers with all isomeric forms beingincluded in the present invention. Therefore, where a compound ischiral, the separate enantiomers, substantially free of the other, areincluded within the scope of the invention. Further included are allmixtures of the two enantiomers. Also included within the scope of theinvention are polymorphs and hydrates of the compounds of the instantinvention.

The present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of Flibanserinand of the active substances which are suitable to be combined withFlibanserin. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives ofthe compounds of this invention which are readily convertible in vivointo the required compound.

Flibanserin, optionally used in form of its pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts and/or optionally in form of the hydrates and/orsolvates thereof, or in form of Flibanserin polymorph A, as well as theother anti-obesity compounds may be incorporated into the conventionalpharmaceutical preparation in solid, liquid or spray form. Thecompositions may, for example, be presented in a form suitable for oral,rectal, parenteral administration or for nasal inhalation: preferredforms includes for example, capsules, tablets, coated tablets, ampoules,suppositories and nasal spray.

The active ingredients may be incorporated in excipients or carriersconventionally used in pharmaceutical compositions such as, for example,talc, arabic gum, lactose, gelatine, magnesium stearate, corn starch,acqueous or non acqueous vehicles, polyvynil pyrrolidone, semisyntheticglicerides of fatty acids, benzalconium chloride, sodium phosphate,EDTA, polysorbate 80. The compositions are advantageously formulated indosage units, each dosage unit being adapted to supply a single dose ofthe active ingredient.

Within the instant invention flibanserin is preferably administered insuch an amount that per single dosage between 0.01 to 400 mg offlibanserin are applied. Preferred are ranges of between 1.0 to 300 mg,particular preferred 2.0 to 200 mg of flibanserin. Suitable dosage formsmay contain for instance 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 mg of flibanserin. The doses rangeapplicable per day is between 0.1 to 400, preferably between 1.0 to 300,more preferably between 2 to 200 mg. The aforementioned values are basedon flibanserin in form of the free base. If flibanserin is applied inform of one of its acid addition salts, the corresponding values arereadily calculable from the aforementioned values. Advantageously,flibanserin may be administered in a single daily dose, or the totaldaily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three or fourtimes daily.

The dosage of the active ingredients suitable for coadministration withflibanserin in the compositions of this invention may be varied.However, it is necessary that the amount of the active ingredients besuch that a suitable dosage form is obtained. The selected dosage andthe dosage form depend upon the desired therapeutic effect, on the routeof administration and on the duration of the treatment. Dosage ranges inthe combination are approximately one tenth to one times the clinicallyeffective ranges required to induce the desired therapeutic effect,respectively when the compounds are used singly.

In case of the preferred compound orlistat particularly preferred dosesper day are in the range of about 100 to 400 mg. In case of thepreferred compound sibutramine particularly preferred doses per day arein the range of about 5 to 15 mg. In case of the preferred compoundphenetermine particularly preferred doses per day are in the range ofabout 30 to 90 mg. Suitable dosage forms may contain for instance 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or100 mg of the above mentioned compounds. Advantageously, the compoundsof the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, orthe total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two,three or four times daily.

Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the activesubstance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such ascalcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such ascorn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine,lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delayingrelease, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate,or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores producedanalogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tabletcoatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titaniumdioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or preventincompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers.Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number or layers toachieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned abovefor the tablets.

Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinationsthereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetenersuch as saccharine, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer,e.g. of a flavouring such as vanilline or orange extract. They may alsocontain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products offatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such asp-hydroxybenzoates.

Solutions for injection are prepared in the usual way, e.g. of with theaddition of preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabiliserssuch as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, andtransferred into injection vials or ampoules.

Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations ofactive substances may for example be prepared by mixing the activesubstances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packingthem into gelatine capsules.

Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriersprovided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol orthe derivatives thereof.

The Examples which follow illustrate the present invention withoutrestricting its scope:

Examples of Pharmaceutical Formulations

A) Tablets per tablet Flibanserin hydrochloride 100 mg lactose 240 mgcorn starch 340 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone  45 mg magnesium stearate  15 mg740 mg

The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starchare mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with asolution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated anddried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesiumstearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed toproduce tablets of suitable shape and size.

B) Tablets per tablet Flibanserin hydrochloride 80 mg corn starch 190mg  lactose 55 mg microcrystalline cellulose 35 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone15 mg sodium-carboxymethyl starch 23 mg magnesium stearate  2 mg 400 mg 

The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose,microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together,the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch andwater to form a granulate which is dried and screened. Thesodium-carboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added andmixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitablesize.

C) Coated tablets per coated tablet Flibanserin hydrochloride  5 mg cornstarch 41.5 mg   lactose 30 mg polyvinylpyrrolidone  3 mg magnesiumstearate 0.5 mg  80 mg

The active substance, corn starch, lactose and polyvinylpyrrolidone arethoroughly mixed and moistened with water. The moist mass is pushedthrough a screen with a 1 mm mesh size, dried at about 45° C. and thegranules are then passed through the same screen. After the magnesiumstearate has been mixed in, convex tablet cores with a diameter of 6 mmare compressed in a tablet-making machine. The tablet cores thusproduced are coated in known manner with a covering consistingessentially of sugar and talc. The finished coated tablets are polishedwith wax.

D) Capsules per capsule Flibanserin hydrochloride 150 mg Corn starch268.5 mg   Magnesium stearate  1.5 mg 420 mg

The substance and corn starch are mixed and moistened with water. Themoist mass is screened and dried. The dry granules are screened andmixed with magnesium stearate. The finished mixture is packed into size1 hard gelatine capsules.

E) Ampoule solution Flibanserin hydrochloride 50 mg sodium chloride 50mg water for inj.  5 ml

The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionallyat pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. Thesolution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate istransferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are thensterilised and sealed by fusion.

F) Suppositories Flibanserin hydrochloride  50 mg solid fat 1650 mg 1700mg

The hard fat is melted. At 40° C. the ground active substance ishomogeneously dispersed. It is cooled to 38° C. and poured into slightlychilled suppository moulds.

In a particular preferred embodiment of the instant invention,Flibanserin is administered in form of specific film coated tablets.Examples of these preferred formulations are listed below. The filmcoated tablets listed below can be manufactured according to proceduresknown in the art (see hereto WO 03/097058).

G) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 25.000Lactose monohydrate 71.720 Microcrystalline cellulose 23.905 HPMC(Methocel E5) 1.250 Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 2.500 Magnesiumstearate 0.625 Coating HPMC (Methocel E5) 1.440 Polyethylene Glycol 60000.420 Titanium dioxide 0.600 Talc 0.514 Iron oxide red 0.026 Total Filmcoated tablet 128.000

H) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 50.000Lactose monohydrate 143.440 Microcrystalline cellulose 47.810 HPMC (e.g.Pharmacoat 606) 2.500 Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 5.000 Magnesiumstearate 1.250 Coating HPMC (e.g. Pharmacoat 606) 2.400 PolyethyleneGlycol 6000 0.700 Titanium dioxide 1.000 Talc 0.857 Iron oxide red 0.043Total Film coated tablet 255.000

I) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 100.000Lactose monohydrate 171.080 Microcrystalline cellulose 57.020 HPMC (e.g.Methocel E5) 3.400 Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 6.800 Magnesiumstearate 1.700 Coating HPMC (e.g. Methocel E5) 3.360 Polyethylene Glycol6000 0.980 Titanium dioxide 1.400 Talc 1.200 Iron oxide red 0.060 TotalFilm coated tablet 347.000

J) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 2.000Dibasic Calciumphosphate, anhydrous 61.010 Microcrystalline cellulose61.010 HPMC (Methocel E5) 1.950 Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 2.600Colloidal silicon dioxide 0.650 Magnesium stearate 0.780 Coating HPMC(Methocel E5) 1.440 Polyethylene Glycol 6000 0.420 Titanium dioxide0.600 Talc 0.514 Iron oxide red 0.026 Total Film coated tablet 133.000

K) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 100.000Dibasic Calciumphosphate, anhydrous 69.750 Microcrystalline cellulose69.750 HPMC (e.g. Methocel E5) 2.750 Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 5.000Colloidal silicon dioxide 1.250 Magnesium stearate 1.500 Coating HPMC(e.g. Methocel E5) 2.400 Polyethylene Glycol 6000 0.700 Titanium dioxide1.043 Talc 0.857 Total Film coated tablet 255.000

L) Film coated tablet Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin 20.000Lactose monohydrate 130.000 Microcrystalline cellulose 43.100Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (e.g. Klucel LF) 1.900 Sodium Starch Glycolate4.000 Magnesium stearate 1.000 Coating HPMC (e.g. Methocel E5) 2.400Polyethylene Glycol 6000 0.700 Titanium dioxide 1.043 Talc 0.857 TotalFilm coated tablet 205.000

M) Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin (free base) 50.000 Orlistat120.000 Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate 100.000 Microcrystallinecellulose 203.090 HPMC (Methocel E5) 6.615 Croscarmellose sodium 8.820Magnesium stearate 2.250 Coating HPMC (Methocel E5) 4.320 PolyethyleneGlycol 6000 1.260 Titanium dioxide 1.800 Talc 1.542 Iron oxide red 0.078Total Film coated tablet 499.775

Constituents mg/tablet N) Core: Flibanserin (free base) 50.000Sibutramine 10.000 Lactose monohydrate 133.750 Microcrystallinecellulose 40.000 Hydroxypropylcellulose 2.500 Corn starch 12.500Magnesium stearate 1.250 Coating HPMC (e.g. Pharmacoat 606) 2.400Polyethylene Glycol 6000 0.700 Titanium dioxide 1.000 Talc 0.857 Ironoxide yellow 0.043 Total Film coated tablet 255.000

O) Constituents mg/tablet Core Flibanserin (free base) 50.000Phenetermine 30.000 Lactose monohydrate 143.490 Microcrystallinecellulose 47.810 HPMC (e.g. Pharmacoat 606) 2.500 Carboxymethylcellulosesodium 5.000 Mannitol 60.000 Corn starch 36.500 Povidone 1.000 Colloidalsilicon dioxide 1.000 Magnesium stearate 1.700 Coating HPMC (e.g.Methocel E5) 3.360 Polyethylene Glycol 6000 0.980 Titanium dioxide 1.400Talc 1.200 Iron oxide red 0.060 Total Film coated bilayer tablet 386.000Pharmacological Experiments:

To test the efficacy of Flibanserin in the treatment of obesity groupsof the rats per sex per group (gang-housed) received Flibnanserin atdosages of 0 (control), 100, 200, and 600 mg/kg/day via dietaryadmixture. The test compound was mixed with the food to obtain a 3%premix. This premix was prepared in week −1 and drug week 7 and was usedto prepare the substance/food mixtures for all individual groups. Thesubstance/food concentration was calculated using the mean daily foodintake from the study week before. The substance/food mixture was madeweekly for every dose group and stored under darkness in the animalroom. The concentration, homogeneity and stability of the test substancein the food was checked during study week 2 with reanalysis one and fourweeks later. One further check of concentration and homogeneity wasperformed in week 13. The body weight of each animal was determined andrecorded once a week including the pretest acclimation period, in themorning on the same day of the week.

The following tables presents the results of the above describedexperiments as absolute body weights at start of treatment (week −1) aswell as in drug week 6 and 13, including percentage change compared tocontrols. (in parentheses).

TABLE 1 Table. Mean absolute body weights of males^(#) in grams andpercent change to controls Drug Dosage BIMT 17 BS (mg/kg/day) week 0(Controls) 100 200 600 −1 191.3 188.1 (−1.7) 189.3 (−1.0) 186.8 (−2.4) 6368.2 340.9 (−7.4)↓ 340.4 (−7.5)↓ 284.8 (−22.7)↓ 13 440.4 397.4 (−9.8)↓400.9 (−9.0)↓ 333.2 (−24.3)↓ ↓significantly decreased compared tocontrols (p < 0.05; t-test, pooled variance) ^(#)n = 10/group

TABLE 2 Table. Mean absolute body weights of females^(#) in grams andpercent change to controls Drug Dosage BIMT 17 BS (mg/kg/day) week 0(Controls) 100 200 600 −1 141.2 141.3 (+0.1) 142.2 (+0.7) 140.7 (−0.4) 6229.1 213.6 (−6.8)↓ 209.7 (−8.5)↓ 196.0 (−14.4)↓ 13 261.5 234.5 (−10.3)↓234.9 (−10.2)↓ 225.8 (−13.7)↓ ↓significantly decreased compared tocontrols (p < 0.05; t-test, pooled variance) ^(#)n = 10/group

From Tables 1 and 2 it can be taken that the body weight gain of malesand females were significantly decreased in almost all drug weeks. Atstudy end the difference compared to controls was 10%, 9% and 24% inmales and 10%, 10% and 14% in females at 100, 200 and 600 mg/kg/day,respectively.

This pharmacological data provide evidence for the efficacy ofFlibanserin in the treatment of obesity and can be used for thepreparation of a medicament for promoting, increasing or facilitatingweight loss and for inhibiting or prevention of body weight gain.

1. A method of treating obesity comprising administering to anindividual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount offlibanserin, or a pharmacologically acceptable acid addition saltthereof.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein obesity comprisesexogenic obesity, hyperinsulinaemic obesity, hyperplasmic obesity,hyperphyseal adiposity, hypoplasmic obesity, hypothyroid obesity,hypothalamic obesity, symptomatic obesity, infantile obesity, upper bodyobesity, alimentary obesity, hypogonadal obesity, or central obesity. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a second activeingredient comprising orlistat, phenetermine, sibutramine, ortopiramate, or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The methodof claim 1, further comprising administering a second active ingredientcomprising ergoset, pramlintinide, leptin, BAY-27-9955, glipazide,glyburide, alprostadil, thipride hydrochloride, cilostazol, mexiletinehydrochloride, ethyl eicosapentate, memantine, or pimagedine, or apharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising administering a second active ingredient comprisingpioglitazone or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, troglitazone,rosiglitazone or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, JTT-501,GI-262570, MCC-555, YM-440, DRF-2593, BM-13-1258, KRP-297, R-119702,GW-1929, tolbutamide, chloropropamide, tolazamide, acetohexamide,glyclopyramide, an ammonium salt of glyclopyramide, glibenclamide,gliclazide, glimepiride, repaglinide, nateglinide, mitiglinide, JTT-608,metformin, bovine insulin, porcine insulin, semisynthetic human insulin,genetically-engineered human insulin, acarbose, voglibose, miglitol,emiglitate, AJ-9677, BMS-196085, SB-226552, AZ40140, tolrestat,epalrestat, imirestat, zenarestat, SNK-860, zopolrestat, ARI-50i,AS-3201, NGF, LY-333531, LAF237, MK431, 815541, 823093, 825964,liraglutide, exenatide, AVE-2268, T-1095, mazindol, baiamine, NGD-95-1,lipstatin, rimonabant, phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, pseudroephedrine,dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, BVT.933, APD356, bromocriptine,pramipexol, dehydroepiandrosterone, exendin, AC 2993, CJC-1131, ZP10,GRT0203Y, captopril, enalapril, alacepril, delapril, lisinopril,imidapril, benazepril, cilazapril, temocapril, trandolapril, manidipine,nifedipine, amlodipine, efonidipine, nicardipine, levcromakalim,L-27152, AL0671, NIP-121, telmisartan, losartan, candesartan cilexetil,valsartan, irbesartan, CS-866, E4177, pravastatin or a pharmaceuticalacceptable salt thereof, simvastatin or a pharmaceutical acceptable saltthereof, lovastatin or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof,atorvastatin or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, fluvastatin ora pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, lipantil or a pharmaceuticalacceptable salt thereof, cerivastatin or a pharmaceutical acceptablesalt thereof, itavastatin or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof,ZD-4522 or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, bezafibrate,clinofibrate, clofibrate, simfibrate, meloxicam, ibuprofen, or mixturesthereof.